title: [Quality and acceptance of the columellar scar in open septorhinoplasty].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The open approach via the transcolumellar incision exposes the nasal cartilaginous and bony framework and allows a well-arranged correction in technically complex reconstructions. The aim of the study was to show the satisfaction of the patients concerning the quality and the acceptance of the columellar scar.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective study 61 patients with an open septorhinoplasty in a standardized procedure were included. The valid questionnaire "The patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS)" by Drajiers et al. was applied. After a period of 12 months the patient and an independent -observer judged the columellar scar with regard to different -criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  15 out of 61 patients (24.6%) were very satisfied, 40 out of 61 (65.5%) were satisfied with their scar. In the objective evaluation the observer was very satisfied in 5 out of 11 cases (45.5%), and satisfied in 6 out of 11 cases (54.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  90% of the patients were content with their scar. Interestingly patients tend to judge the quality of almost invisible scars in the face more critically.
authors.affiliation: HNO-Klinik, Universität Ulm, Ulm.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scheithauer
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Goldberg-Bockhorn
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oberstaller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindemann
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rotter
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rettinger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schulz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013536:Suture Techniques; D055815:Young Adult